Groß Strömkendorf/Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Leading state politicians reacted with shock to the fire in a shelter for refugees from Ukraine in Northwest Mecklenburg. "It is simply inhuman that the refugees from Ukraine had to experience this last night in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania," said SPD parliamentary group leader Julian Barlen on Thursday. The suspicion of arson must be cleared up with high pressure. "The swastika finds of the last few days on site bring back memories of very dark times in the 30th year of Lichtenhagen and Mölln." The cause of the fire is still unclear.
The fire in the thatched building in Groß Strömkendorf broke out on Wednesday evening. 14 refugees and 3 employees were able to get to safety in time, the building burned down. On Monday, the police were notified of a swastika scrawl in the entrance area, the culprit of which has not yet been found. Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) wanted to get an idea of the situation on site on Thursday.
"The images of the arson attack bring back dark memories of the 1990s, when racist prejudices and fears for the future merged into a blind rage and aggressive mood," commented Ole Krüger, state chairman of the Greens. "The thought is unbearable that those who came to us to be safe from war and persecution now have to fear for their lives here - in our midst." Churches, trade unions and parties must show that they have learned from mistakes made 30 years ago. "We condemn this attack, which is probably racist, in the strongest possible terms," said Katharina Horn, co-chair of the Greens.
"This is a cowardly, disgusting and inhumane act," said DGB Vice President Ingo Schlueter. "The arsonists should be arrested quickly and prosecuted."
